Here’s what I know: I don’t know a lot of stuff about a lot of stuff. I’m always amused by other speakers’ websites that list 19 topics of expertise. I think, Wow, they are way smarter than I!
As a citizen of the USA, I feel the same way. Candidly, most things that happen in the world are simply beyond my knowledge, so I’m careful to NOT offer an opinion for fear this truth will be revealed:
I suffer from ignorance.
When it comes to organizing/managing a White House staff, taking military action, relating to world leaders of powerful nations, or improving health care and immigration—I know … nothing.
Why? …
I haven’t met the people involved, I lack the “intel,” I’ve never met a world leader (have you?), I don’t have the facts, and despite my Ivy League degree, health care and immigration are beyond my “area of expertise.”
Sure, opinions are like bellybuttons—we all have them—but must every citizen have an opinion on every action a POTUS takes?
And I’m talking about any US president from any party.
Don’t get me wrong—it may be our RIGHT to have a point of view and speak it out loud, but is it wise? Do I appear smart when I do so? Is it a good use of my time and talent? Do my comments contribute positively to our world?
For me to express an opinion on most “news” items, it would be based on close to no knowledge and would add little value to the conversation. More often than not, I need to “stand down,” shut up, and pause, watch, wait—and see what happens.
Just my opinion.
Comments welcome.
